These articles represent the views of the authors only, and do not constitute the positions of UCLA, the International Institute, or the Center for Middle East Development. Readers are invited to offer alternative perspectives to csaleh[at]international.ucla.edu.

Last week in Doha, Qatar, the UCLA Center for Middle East Development concluded its annual Enriching the Middle East’s Economic Future Conference, marking a decade of partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. Through the hope and drama of the Arab Spring to the devastating conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, to name only a few, the conference has convened for 10 years to analyze, reflect, discuss, and recommend.

Although water scarcity is not a new problem for the Middle East, the severity of the issue has only increased with time. This blog post discusses the daunting numbers behind the region's water problem and proposes a twofold solution: regional policy cooperation and the implementation of technological developments.

What does Obama's decision to normalize relations with Cuba mean for another of the US's sanctioned nations, Iran? This article highlights the differences between Cuba and Iran's relationships with the US, and contends that the US will not normalize relations with Iran any time soon based on those differences.

An interview with the director and co-producer of “Three,” a short film that provides a glimpse into the lives, desires, and struggles of three Syrian refugees. The film captures the human cost of war and the nuance behind the refugee label.

Many believe the upcoming presidential election will complete Tunisia’s transition into a functioning democracy after last month’s successful parliamentary elections. However, others have brought these claims into question.

If destabilization in Yemen remains the status quo, then the West should be concerned about the increased threat of global terrorism. Who are the political actors and militant groups in the region? What are the implications for continued U.S. financial backing and armed support in Yemen?

The lingua franca at the Center for Middle East Development is a motley blend of Arabic, Persian, Yiddish and Hebrew representing the languages of our multicultural staff and volunteers. It’s hard not to pick up the slang and idioms because, yani, we can’t always find the words in our native language.

Afghanistan and opium share an ancient history together. However, with opium sales and use booming, Afghanistan and the drug trade have never been as intertwined as they are today. What are the causes of the exponential rise in Afghan opium cultivation and what can be done to curb it?

In only one week from today, millions of Americans will go to the polls and cast their ballots for whom they wish to represent them in the US Congress. With many citing President Obama's poor handling of recent international affairs, various polls project a full Republican takeover of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. What are the implications for continued US strategy in the MENA region? What does this mean for President Obama in his handling of important foreign policies for the rest of his term?